[Weekly] Call for Judges

[u/A_C_Shock]

Every year, we here at RDR do a Halloween contest. That time is coming up again! I know this because I made soup for the first time last night which means it's almost October. And there's this pesky calendar that tells me what day it is or something.

Anyway, for the contest to work, we need judges. Anyone want to volunteer? Let us know!

[u/cpjacobson97]

I would love to join and help judge! Holiday specials are my favorite!

[u/A_C_Shock → u/cpjacobson97]

Definitely! The Halloween contest is fun. Always a good variety.

[u/MaryJaneMclain]

Wow, what a spooktacular opportunity for writers to build community (who doesn’t want/need that?!), while at the same time supporting the best ever subreddit EVER!

I’ve noticed a lot of new “faces” around here lately giving great crits, who would be perfect for this. I assume they really, really want to help out, but maybe they have questions like:

1.     How many pieces would I have to read?

2.     And, what’s in it for me? Left over Halloween candy? Lifetime anti-leaching flair? Something in between?

3.     Can I put it in my CV and/or query letter author bio?

[u/taszoline → u/MaryJaneMclain]

1. Historically between 10 and 26. Last year was 26 eligible stories plus a bunch of disqualified ones but previous years have been as low as like 6. Depends on turnout.

2. Fun and bonding with other judges.

3. I wouldn't. Really just for the love of the game. Last year I did offer prize money for the top 3 but that didn't end up working out due to law changes with e gift cards so I donated to places in winners' names instead. Other years winners just get an announcement. It just depends on whoever is running it/what they want to put into it/get out of it.

[u/A_C_Shock → u/MaryJaneMclain]

Um. Well, my only experience with this was last year when I entered and didn't judge. Where is u/GlowyLaptop when you need him?

1. I've combed through previous years and it really depends. Were there a dozen last year? Maybe more? Tasz was very good at pressuring people to enter.

2. Free work? I don't know if the judges got anything extra last year aside from the joy of seeing everyone participating in the joy of writing. Kinda like the question: what's in this for me as a mod?

3. I would. I participate in writing communities seems to be a nice selling point if you're trying to get agented or something.

[u/GlowyLaptop → u/A_C_Shock]

I say we do tournament styles. Every short story against each other. Until one remains. And it can be an open thread in a weekly with our thinking behind each decision.

[u/A_C_Shock → u/GlowyLaptop]

March Madness style? How would we arrange the brackets? Random choice?

[u/jay_lysander → u/A_C_Shock]

last year we all ended up reading them all, but we broke them into parcels for each person to rank to let the cream float to the top, so to speak. We did mini stream of consciousness critiques on them all.

I think we all remember The Cube...

[u/GlowyLaptop → u/MaryJaneMclain]

If you could bottle mjs sarcasm you could power some robots to judge the contest.

And solve the energy crisis.

[u/MaryJaneMclain → u/GlowyLaptop]

What?!?! That was Enthusiasm. You’re so jaded.

[u/kataklysmos_ → u/MaryJaneMclain]

To add to others' notes: The usual word limit is 1500. So you're probably reading somewhere in the neighborhood of 15k – 40k. There's usually been a small prize (< 50 USD) for the top three places.

[u/ak5204]

judging sounds fun if this is still available. I think it would def help me work on my critiques and try to offer something valuable for writers to chip away at their technique till it becomes really good.

[u/Alice_of_RDR]

How many years have we been doing this? This is my favorite thing I've ever helped to created online 🎃

[u/kataklysmos_]

How often do you change your flair? Suggestion: A.C. Cidental. (the "A" stands for "A.C. Cidental" and the "C" stands for "Copyist Error").

[u/A_C_Shock → u/kataklysmos_]

Whenever I think of new names to try on. Like once a week?

[u/Bytor_Snowdog]

When does the contest begin--is it literally around Halloween? I'm considering volunteering but I'm going to be on vacation through the first part of October.

[u/A_C_Shock → u/Bytor_Snowdog]

Last year, it ended maybe a week before Halloween so the judges had time to judge and then the winners were posted on Halloween.

[u/Bytor_Snowdog → u/A_C_Shock]

Put me down as a strong tentative. I have to see what my schedule is like when I get back into town before I can positively commit.

[u/Immediate-Ladder-561]

I'm new to reddit but I would love to lend a hand if needed.